Browning A-5 16 GA vintage

[rctpdt]

I have an A-5 16 ga. chambered for 2 9/16'" shells. I've bought 2 cases of shells for it. But I'm wondering does the rechambering of this gun for 2 3/4" shells entail only the barrel, or the receiver also? If it was only the barrel couldn't I buy a 2 3/4" chambered barrel for it and be done?

 

[hoghunting]

Barrels for the A5 are not cheap. I would take it to a gunsmith and let him ream the chamber for the 2 3/4". Will probably be in the $50-$75 range.

 

[TrapperReady]

It's not just the barrel. IIRC, it also involves opening up the ejection port, a new extractor and some other fiddling around. If your smith messes up recutting the ejection port, then it becomes a non-shooting parts gun. Keep it as is. If you really want to shoot one a lot, I'd get either a 12ga or 20ga A5 to supplement the one you've got.

BTW, I also have a 2 9/16" 16ga A-5. I even picked up a 2 9/16" 16ga Winchester Model 12 so it wouldn't feel lonely.

One of these days, I may just pick up a 16ga MEC and have them install the spacer plate to load the shorter shells.

Edited to add:

I jut dug through some old posts and found one of mine about my Browning A-5.

 

[rctpdt]

Thanks for the input. Browning in St. Louis would re-chamber it for $240 but I chose to buy a couple cases of shells for it instead. I have Eley's and B&P's
and they seem to be good so far. There was another guy in Kansas City Kansas that quoted me $250.00. Anyhow, this gun has a 30" full choke on it and I'm looking for a 26 or 28" improved or modified barrel for it to use for upland birds. I actually gave this one to my son and bought another one for me with a 26" improved cylinder 2 3/4" chamber. Thanks again...

 

[Dave McCracken]

FWIW, Polywad makes 2 1/2" loads in both regular flavor and spreader style. You may want to talk to them.

HTH....

 

[hoghunting]

rct,
They are right as I was mistaken. I have a SxS 16 ga that I had the chambers cut for the 2 3/4" shells and that was all that was needed. I checked the Williams Gunsight catalog and they charge $170 for the work on the Browning Auto and the Winchester M12.

 

[axeman_g]

me too

I have a A5 with 2 9/16 chamber. Keep it as it is and just buy some ammo. use the gun for special occasions. If it is your only shotgun, use the $200+ and go buy a used 870 or 1100 for everday shooting.

If the chambe is done incorrectly your out a nice old gun. Even if done well, they are not usually as reliable anymore, sort of like replacing an engine in a car, from that point on littles things will start going wrong.

You have someones Miss flyway duck gun there. Treasure it, because when the original owner showed up with it sometime in the 30's he was most likely a target of derision and insults for bringing that "flock destroyer" into a blind. He kept it in fine condition against all of his friends wishes. You should also.